Morphine

Chapter Fifty Four

Marceline Anne got out of bed.

Malcolm woke straight up. "Where are you going? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Sleep." She shuffled to the door.

"Do you have to pee?" He sat up.

"Technically."

"You're trying to go to work." He suddenly knew.

"I'm not dead yet. If I can help my patients, I will."

He wanted to argue but he wasn't even sure how. "Are you sure you want to go now? It's Thursday."

She knew that. She hadn't left the bed in two days except to go to the restroom. He bathed her, gave her mints and brought her food. It broke her heart that she'd be leaving behind such a caring man but she couldn't live without her children. She didn't even want to.

He took her silence as rebellion and got up. "I'll help you."

"I can do this." She leaned against the door. "Go back to sleep."

"I will not." He went to her and picked her up bridal style.

She huffed but her heart beat erratically. He was so frustratingly sweet.

M-

Karen was shocked to see her best friend. "You're here."

"I know." Marceline Anne sat by her.

Karen didn't know what to say but looked at a stressed out Malcolm. A world of words exchanged between them so she looked at Marceline Anne. "Chase's parents are so mean."

Marceline Anne appreciated her best friend more than words could say. "What'd they do now?"

M-

Artie rolled up to the horn section and stopped next to Marceline Anne. "Hey, BT. I heard about-... I'm so sorry."

"Does everyone know?" She knew people were looking at her.

"Not the school but the group. I think they're just surprised cuz you fainted at cheer, had to go to the hospital then missed school for two days."

She could handle that. "Thanks."

He knew from personal experience that she didn't want pity but he was sympathetic. He took her hand and held it until jazz band started.

M-

"Are you okay?" Byrd was waiting by her locker after school.

"Thank you for asking." Marceline Anne was honestly so exhausted and had to throw up at least twice an hour, every hour. She was cold and she had the shakes. It was as bad as chemo but without the benefits.

"Are you?" Byrd could tell something was going on.

Marceline Anne tried to nod but had a coughing fit. She covered her mouth with her hand.

Byrd's eyes widened when she saw blood on the older girl's hand and the corner of her mouth. "Marcy? You need to see the nurse!"

Marceline Anne simply grabbed a tissue from her bag and wiped her hand until she could look for a wet napkin. She cleaned her hand and mouth, shaking her head. "I'm fine."

"You're bleeding."

"Shhh." Marceline Anne shushed her gently. "I'm fine."

"I don't think you are." Byrd was afraid.

"We can talk in my car. Come on."

Byrd didn't know what she was stepping into...

M-